# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
(1) blow away the cobwebs = literally to get rid of the webs that spiders make, this idiom means to do something which makes your mind “cleaner” and fresher: “After sitting in the same chair for five hours, I wanted to go out for a walk to blow away the cobwebs.”
(2) like a breath of fresh air = someone or something who has new, fresh ideas or behaviour: “After working for the old boss for 20 years, the new boss seems like a breath of fresh air.”
(3) out with the old, in with the new = to change the old for the new: “We have a new CEO who wants to make his mark on the company. Out with the old, in with the new.”
(4) new blood = to have fresh people and ideas in an organisation: “In an effort to get new blood into our research department, we’re having a recruitment drive.”
(5) shake things up (a shake up) = to change things a lot: “The government are having a shake up of their education policies.”
(6) give something a new lease of life = to renew something so that it lasts longer: “Those tablets have given our pet dog a new lease of life.”
(7)A leopard can’t change its spots

When you apply the fact that a leopard can’t change its spots to people, you are commenting that people can’t change their personalities or (bad) habits.
(8)A change is as good as a rest: describes the fact that sometimes just modifying something like your job is as helpful as taking a break from it.

“Instead of quitting, why don’t you think about moving departments? A change may be as good as a rest.”

(9)Break the mold

When you break the mold, it means you are no longer being restricted by a particular expectation. You are doing something different to the norm instead of feeling the need to fit in or be the same as everyone else.

“I need to break the mold and try a new look.”

(10)Turn over a new leaf

When you turn over a new leaf you are saying you want to change, start anew or to act in a better way

“I’m going to really try to turn over a new leaf next year.”

2. Discussion
(1) Are you someone who likes change?
(2) In what ways have you changed since you were in junior high school?
(3) What are 3 things that you would like to change about your life right now?
(4) Which political party in your country is most likely to make big changes? Is that a good or bad thing?
(5)“The only thing constant is change.” Do you agree with this statement? Explain.
(6) What are the biggest changes in the world you have seen since you were a child?
(7) What is the biggest change most people experience in their lives?
(8) Is change good or bad for a person’s mental health?
(9) What is the most positive change you have experienced in your life?
(10) “You are the same person you were 5 years ago except for the books you have read, the people you have met, and the places you have traveled.” Do you think this quote is accurate?
(11) Have you made any recent changes in your life?
(12) Do you like to change your appearance? What have you done to look different?
(13) Are any of your friends or family afraid of change? Why do you think they are?
(14) Do you think that major changes are easier for younger people or older people?
(15) Is change good or bad?
(16) Do you agree that everything changes?  Do you think change is important in people's life?

3. Quotes about change
(1) 'The measure of intelligence is the ability to change' -Albert Einstein
(2) 'The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude' -Oprah Winfrey
(3) 'Every day the clock resets. Your wins don't matter. Your failures don't matter. Don't stress on what was, fight for what could be.' -Sean Higgins
(4) 'Don’t let rejection create self-doubt. The founder of Starbucks was turned down by 217 of the 242 investors he initially spoke with.' -Elizabeth Galbut
(5) 'Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.' -Leo Tolstoy
(6) 'Play to your strengths. If you aren’t great at something, do more of what you’re great at.' -Jason Lemkin
(7) 'Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.' -Harriet Tubman

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
(1) Babe in arms – a babe in arms is a very young child or a child still young enought to be held in someon’s arms. For example: “Have you seen Lara’s daughter? She’s still a babe in arms”
(2) Babe in the woods – A babe in the woods is a naive, defenceless, young person. Someone who is still very innocent. For example: “Henry is like a babe in the woods at his company: everyone takes advantage of him”
(3) Blue-eyed boy – Someone’s blue-eyed boy is their favourite person. For example: “Paul is the teacher’s blue-eyed boy”
(4) Boys will be boys – Boys will be boys means that boys, or men, will behave in certain ways, often noisily or irresponsibily. For example: “My children are always being noisy with their friends. But boys will be boys”
(5) Child’s play – If something is child’s play, it is very easy and simple. For example: “For me, playing the guitar is child’s play, it’s so easy” In embryo – If something is in embryo, it exists but has not developed. For example: “Jenny has a great idea for a new shop but it’s still in embryo and needs a lot more work”
(6) Like a kid in a candy store – If someone is like a kid in a candy store, they are very excited and happy about something. For example: “When I go into Channel, I’m like a kid in a candy store!” Mummy’s boy – A man who is still very dependent on his mother is a mummy’s boy. For example: “John needs to grow up. He’s such a mummy’s boy! His mom still makes him lunch and he’s 30 years old”
(7) New kid on the block is a person who has recently joined a company, organization, team, etc, and does not know how things work yet. He is the new person and usually doesn’t know anybody. For example: “I really like Ben, he’s the new kid on the block in the art department and he’s really nice”
(8) Sleep like a baby – If you sleep very well, you sleep like a baby. For example: “People that say they sleep like a baby have never had children!”
(9) Throw the baby out with the bath water – If you get rid of useful things when discarding inessential things, you throw the baby out with the bath water. For example: “Most of his ideas were terrible except for one, so let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water”
(10) I Could Eat A Horse- means that the person is extremely hungry. For example, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!”
(11) Elephant in the room-is used when there is a big problem or issue that nobody wants to talk about. For example, “I think we need to talk about the elephant in the room. Our company has lost a lot of money and some people might lose their jobs.”
(12) A storm in a teacup means that a small issue has been exaggerated and blown out of proportion. For example, “I got really angry at the teacher for giving us some homework yesterday but I guess it was just a storm in a teacup.”
(13) Hold your horses is used to tell someone to wait a minute or to be patient. For example, “Hold your horses! I can’t go yet. I’ve not even eaten my breakfast.”
(14)  blue in the face means to be extremely tired from making a lot of futile efforts to do something. For example, “You can ask me until you are blue in the face but I won’t change my mind.”
(15) ‘Put a sock in it’ is used to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. For example, “You two! Put a sock in it! Other students are trying to study.”

2. Discussion
(1) Which is better being a child or being an adult?
(2) What's your happiest memory from childhood?
(3) As a child, did your family mainly stay in one place or did you move around a lot? Either way, how did that affect you?
(4) Did you have other children to play with? Who did you usually play with as a child?
(5) Children have powerful imaginations. Can you recall any imaginary games or friends from childhood?
(6) Children can be scared of many things, real or imagined. Were you frightened by anything as a child?
(7) Did you have a favorite toy or toy series? What was it?
(8) Do you still have any toys from childhood? Where are they? If not, where did they go?
(9) Did you enjoy reading as a child? What kind of books did you read?
(10) Children often mimic adult behavior. Did you ever pretend to be a grown-up?
(11) Do you have any vivid memories from early childhood? If so, what can you remember? For example, do you remember your first day at school?
(12) Did you get pocket money when you were a kid? If so, what did you spend that money on?
(13) What were some embarrassing situations when you were a child?
(14) How are you similar to your parents? How are you different?
(15) Do any foods remind you of something from your childhood?
(16) If you could go back to any point in your childhood, when would it be?
(17) Do you recall something funny your kids did or said? What are they? (for example: the picture shown above, https://aubtu.biz/59627/)

3. Facts about kids having an Imaginary Friend
The idea of imaginary playmates is nothing new. In fact, kids have been playing with invisible playmates for hundreds of years. Broadly speaking, researchers have identified five possible purposes for why children create a pretend pal.
* Problem Solving and Emotional Management
*Exploration of Ideals
*Creation of a Companion for Fantasy Play
*Combatting Loneliness
*Exploration of Relationship Roles
Not only is the creation of imaginary friendships normal, but it is also common. Studies have shown that up to 65% of children under age seven create an imaginary friend.

Studies have shown that girls are more likely to have imaginary friends during the preschool years, but this statistic evens out by the school-age years.

The oldest children in a family and only children tend to create imaginary friends. They likely have the time and creative space to explore this phenomenon more deeply.

Highly social and creative children have a higher incidence of creating and engaging with imaginary playmates.

Children with Down Syndrome have a higher rate of developing imaginary friends and keeping them into adulthood.

What Do Imaginary Friends Look Like?

57% of the imaginary friends of school-age children were humans

41% of the friends were animals

Children can have more than one imaginary friend at a time

Not all imaginary friends are "friendly." (It is important to note that even naughty invisible pals serve a purpose for the child, and are not harmful to the child).

A misconception is children with imaginary friends are deeply lonely. While kids do create friends in their minds to fill periods of space when there is nothing to do, there is no research backing up the notion that invisible friends stem from neglect or isolation. Kids with loving families and ample opportunities for social engagement are likely to create imaginary friends.

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1. Idioms
(1) A Blessing in Disguise: Something awful that somehow leads to something wonderful is said to be a blessing in disguise.

Example:

Her being fired from that company was a blessing in disguise. She became self-employed and now has several sources of income.
(2) A Mecca for Someone or Something:

A place is a Mecca for someone or something if it is often visited by people with common interests.

Example

Rome is a Mecca for history enthusiasts and religious people. The place is filled with ancient and sacred places
(3) An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth: means a person must be punished by the same bad thing they did to another person.
(4) Gospel Truth: Something is gospel truth if it is believed to be absolutely real and right.
(5) In Limbo: A person is in limbo if they are in a situation that is uncertain, making them fearful.

Example:

He has been in limbo over his health tests and fears that he might be carrying the virus.
(6) spill the guts: tell me everything you know (about sth.)
(7) to have a/the ring of truth: to seem to be true
(8) to pull the wool over sb’s eyes:to deceive, trick sb. It’s so typical of him to try to pull the wool over people’s eyes. Don’t trust him!
(9)smoke and mirrors: behavior or information designed to hide the truth about a situation or create a false impression. The new budget is nothing but smoke and mirrors (it’s just smoke and mirrors).

2. Discussion
(1) Do you consider yourself a seeker of the truth?
(2) What is your spiritual background?
(3) What are 2 or 3 major truths upon which you have based your decision-making?
(4) Where are you in your spiritual pilgrimage?
(5) How do you think a person can keep from becoming a workaholic?
(6) What is your philosophy of life based on?
(7) Do you believe what you’ve been brought up with?
(8) Is it possible to live a normal life and not ever tell a lie?
(9) What life lesson did you learn the hard way?

3. Debates
(1) Children should be taught a comprehensive and detailed overview of all major religions at school.
(2) Should famous people and other well-known public figures in our daily lives keep their faith or religion private?
(3) Religions of all kinds around the world are a force for good and positive change in the world.
(4) Many political leaders in the world have publically spoken about their faith. Should world leaders mix their political stance with religion?
(5) Was it wrong of the Catholic Church to encourage people not to use contraception?
(6) Is it possible to be LGBTQ+ and while also being deeply religious?

(7) Schools and workplaces are not doing enough to stop radicalisation.

# data[].attributes.body
1. A List of Generational Slang Words and Phrases – X, Y and Z
Generation X is anyone born from 1965 to 1980. Baby boomers are anyone born from 1946 to 1964. Millennials are anyone born from 1981 to 1996. Generation Z is anyone born from 1997 to 2012.
Generation X
(1)Chill Pill: You can use this to tell someone they are overreacting or too stressed and to chill out
(2)Yuppie:from the initial letters of “young, urban professional”. It was used to define “young, ambitious, and well-educated city dwellers who had a professional career and an affluent lifestyle.”
(3)Trippin’: If someone says you’re trippin’, that means you’re acting like a fool, being too excited, or being too bothered about something.
(4)Dude: Dude initially spread as slang for “a man” in the US in the 1900s, but in the late 1980s, the word started to be used to address (like, hey, dude!) and as an exclamation (Dude, that’s amazing!).
Generation Y (Millennials)
(1)Bye Felicia:“ Bye Felicia” is a slang way of dismissing someone. It is based on a character named Felisha in the movie Friday. Bye, Felicia often appears in memes, GIFs, and hashtags online to express disregard or indifference to someone, as if to say, “That’s it. I’m done putting up with you. I’m so over this. Goodbye.”
(2)Slay: The word “slay” comes in both formal and informal forms. In traditional use, “slay” means “to kill violently”; however, in slang terms, its usage means “to do something exceptionally well”. For example, you could say, “you slayed your last language exam.”
Generation Z
(1) FOMO: An acronym for “fear of missing out,” especially when it comes to an event you want to go to but can’t. You usually feel this intense emotion when scrolling through Instagram and seeing all the live stories of your friends having fun without you.
(2) Karen: A pejorative slang term for an obnoxious, angry, entitled, and often-racist middle-aged white woman who uses her white privilege to get her way or police other people’s behaviours. In Memes, Karens are generally stereotyped as having a blonde bob haircut and asking to speak to retain managers to voice complaints.

2. Discussion

Have you ever felt a generation gap with your friends?

How do you over come the generation gap?

When do you feel the generation gap the most?

Is it possible to overcome a generation gap?

At what point in life does the generation gap seem to be the largest?

Do you think you can be a better parent than your own parents in future?

Do you think it is OK to date or marry someone of a different generation to yourself, either older or younger?

Some people think it is OK to marry a much older man but not a much older woman? Do you agree?

How would you feel if your father was a generation older than your mother? Do you know a family where this is the case?

What could be some problems with a partnership or marriage of different generations?

Do you think your generation's fight is similar to your parents generation's fight.

What do you think are some of the advantages or disadvantages of another generation?

When did you first become an adult in your mind?

What roll does music play in generation gaps?

When is an age gap beneficial, and when is it a hindrance?

How can you overcome a generation gap?

Can you talk to your parents about everything?

Do you ever disagree with your parents/grandparents about topics such as music, style and values?

How many years difference causes a generation gap?

Is it possible for parents and children to be friends?

What influences the styles, values and interests of a generation?

Are people from the "older" generation always more wise and correct in their ways of thinking and choices? Why or why not?

Do you ever disagree with your friends/ parents/relatives/grandparents about topics such as music, style and values?

Is it possible for parents and children to be friends? Or for people of different generations to be friends?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms

much ado about nothing

If people make much ado about nothing, they make a lot of fuss about something which is not important.
"A discussion took place about the colour of the receptionist's shoes - much ado about nothing!"

argue the toss

If you argue the toss, you dispute a decision or choice which has already been made.
"The final choice was made yesterday, so don't argue the toss now!"

all hell broke loose

If you say that all hell broke loose, you mean that there was a sudden angry or noisy reaction to something.
"When it was announced that the plant was going to close down all hell broke loose."

get off by back!

If you tell someone to get off your back, you are annoyed and ask them to stop finding faults or criticizing you.
"Liz, please, get off my back! You've been making comments about my work all morning!"

battle lines are drawn

This expression is used to say that opposing groups are ready to defend the reason behind the conflict.
"The battle lines have been drawn between those who accept the changes and those who are against the proposed reforms. "

battle of wills

A conflict, argument or struggle where both sides are determined to win is described as a battle of wills.
"When they separated, neither party would make concessions - it was a battle of wills."

blamestorming

A discussion among a group of people who try to determine who or what is to blame for a particular mistake, failure or wrongdoing, is called 'blamestorming'.
"A blamestorming session took place following the unfavourable reviews in the press."

bone of contention

A bone of contention is a matter or subject about which there is a lot of disagreement.
"The salaries have been agreed on, but opening on Sundays is still a bone of contention."

Cat-and-dog life – This term refers to a life in which partners are constantly or frequently quarrelling.

“They lead a cat-and-dog life. I don’t know why they stay together.”

Clear the air – If you decide to clear the air, you try to remove the causes of fear, worry or suspicion by talking about them openly.

“The atmosphere had become so unpleasant that he decided it was time to clear the air.”

Dead set against something – If you are dead set against something, you are strongly opposed to it.

“My father wanted a dog, but my mother was dead set against the idea.”

Devil’s advocate – During a discussion or debate, if you play devil’s advocate, you pretend to be against an idea or plan in order to determine the validity of the arguments in favor of it.

“She decided to play devil’s advocate just to see how strongly people felt about the project.”

Hammer and tongs – If people are going at it hammer and tongs, they are arguing fiercely, with a lot of energy and noise.

“Our neighbors are going at it hammer and tongs again. They’re constantly arguing!”

2. Discussion
(1) Do you feel bad after you have an argument?
(2) What are some reason why people argue?
(3) What does your family argue about?
(4) How do you avoid arguments?
(5) Do you think it is best to argue or just walk away? Shy?
(6) Do you get along with argumentative people?
(7) Are you passionate about your beliefs?
(8) Do you ever try to impose your beliefs on others?
(9) Do you at times enjoy "playing the devil's advocate" (debating for the fun of it)?
(10) Do you get along argumentative people?
(11) Are you passionate about your beliefs
(12) Would you describe yourself as an argumentative person?
(13) What other adjectives would you associate with an argumentative person?( quarrelsome · belligerent · contentious · contrary · opinionated, eristic)
(14) In your opinion is being argumentative a positive trait or a flaw?
(15) Are you easily persuaded in an argument?
(16) Do you ever try to impose your beliefs on others?
(17) Do you at times enjoy "playing the devil's advocate" (debating for the fun of it)?
(18) Have you ever taken part in a debate? Did you have to defend an opinion that wasn't your own? If so, was it easy? Did it make you re-evaluate your own views?
(19) How do you feel when someone disagrees with everything you have to say?
(20) Do have a "butinski"in your family? Do you tend to but in? (a nosey person/parker=One who is prone to butt in, interrupt, or get involved where they are not welcome; a busybody.)
(21) At work do you often voice your opinions on controversial issues? If so, what kind of reception do get?
(22) Do you steer clear of some touchy topics or do you get a kick out of provoking others?
(23) How do you feel when you have a hunch someone's not paying attention to what you have to say? Do you raise your voice? Do you get nasty?
(24) How do you grab someone's attention when you're making a point? What can you do to lose it?
(25) Are hand gestures useful in an argument?
(26) Do you think it's disrespectful to argue with your elders?
(27) Do you often feel patronized in an argument?
(28) What do you say when someone is being condescending? (Condescending is always used negatively to imply rudeness or disrespect. It's especially used to describe someone's tone when speaking.)

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
1) Cut a dash: to look attractive, especially by wearing fashionable clothes

Example:

He cuts a dash in his black suit.

2) To look like a million dollars: to look extremely attractive and well-dressed

Example:

Every couple wants to look a million dollars on their wedding day.

3) Put​ your face on: apply make-up to your face

Example:

It’s nine o’clock already and I haven’t even put my face on.

4) A beauty spot: a birthmark or mole on the face

Example:

The doctor advised her to remove her beauty spot as it was changing shape.
5) Dressed (up) to the nines: to be wearing fashionable or formal clothes for a special event

Example:

She always goes out dressed to the nines.

6) Not a hair out of place: to have a very neat appearance

Example:

She was as immaculate as ever - not a hair out of place.

7) The best things in life are free

Meaning: Material possessions aren’t always the most valuable
8) Bite off more than you can chew

Meaning: Taking on too many responsibilities
9) Life in the fast lane

Meaning: Have an interesting life
10)English Slang Words For Appearance & Age

* A common slang word for someone who is attractive is to say they are hot (adj.) or call them a hottie (n.):

* Cute (adj.) and a cutie (n.) are also used for attractive people (both children and adults), but these have more of a playful/sweet connotation, whereas hot/hottie is sexier and only used for teenagers/adults.

a ten / a perfect ten
This probably comes from rating people’s appearance on a scale of 1 to 10.

a looker / a stunner
“Wow, that flight attendant is a looker. I wonder if she’s single?”

hot stuff
“He’s not my favorite actor, but I watch all his movies ‘cause I think he’s hot stuff!”

foxy (usually used for women, with “lady”)
“She is one foxy lady for sure. She could be a model.”

a stud / a hunk (only for men)
“One of my coworkers is a major hunk, I get nervous every time I talk to him.”

a babe (usually for women, although occasionally for men as well)
“That babe over there in the red bikini is checking you out, dude!”
(checking you out = looking at you as if she is attracted to you)

2. Discussion
(1) What is beauty to you?
(2) What beauty can you see around you now?
(3) How often do you think about beauty?
(4) Do you think you have the same concept of beauty as your friends?
(5) What are the most important features when determining someone’s beauty?
(6) How would the world be different if we never considered beauty?
(7) Is beauty in design important in your culture?
(8) Do you think we are conditioned by advertising to think what is beautiful and what is not?
(9) Do you think the idea of beauty is changing? How?
(10) What does "beauty lies in the eye of the beholder" mean? Do you agree?
(11) Do you think different races have different perceptions of what beauty is? Can you think of some examples?
(12) Do you think it is important to get your beauty sleep?

3. Debates on plastic surgery
Cosmetic surgery may be necessary too at some point by people looking out for jobs. In terms of job applications in South Korea, where appearance is everything in the society; it is actually a thing whereby some companies require profile photos in resumes and being physically appealing itself gets you a higher likelihood of getting hired. Even cosmetic companies are now targeting the men of South Korea due to them being the world’s top per-capita consumers of skin products. Euromonitor also stated that this shocking amount is four times more than the runner up, Denmark.

From a morale point of view, getting cosmetic surgery is part of the freedom of expression. Putting ourselves in the perspective of a consumer, all we want to do is to look better. It’s like a do it now or never concept where if we do not make the best of our lives today, will we get the chance to do so in the future? The world today is slowly opening its views on sensitive issues with more and more people starting to venture beyond our comfort zones. If we want to look better for ourselves, what authority do other people have in telling us what to do? It’s our life anyway, right? Love yourself!

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
(1)Be an item: To be an item is a causal way of saying to be in a romantic relationship together. Another similar phrase is be a couple.
(2)Blind date: Interestingly, you can either be ON a blind date or be WITH a blind date! As an event, it’s an arranged social meeting between two people who don’t know each other. As they have never met before, it’s normally arranged by well-intentioned friends or family.
(3)Carry a torch (for): It’s an unusual way to say that you’re in love with someone, but it also usually means you have kept it a secret from the person.
(4)Go out (with): If you are going out with someone, it’s another way to say you are dating them.
(5) Hit it off: Another phrase that can be used to describe friendship or romance is hit it off. “It was such an amazing date, we really hit if off and I’m seeing her again tomorrow.”
(6) Like chalk and cheese

If you say two people are like chalk and cheese, it means they are completely different to each other. But, as they say, opposites attract – so it’s not always a bad thing to have differences!
(7)Summer fling

A romantic relationship that happens while on vacation can be known as a summer fling or a summer romance. It may last the whole holiday or just a few days, but doesn’t continue once the two people return to their separate homes.
(8) Be smitten: To be smitten with someone is to have deep and strong feelings of love and attraction towards them.
(9)Get on like a house on fire

Similar to the relationship idiom hit it off, to get on like a house on fire means to get along very quickly and form a strong bond with someone.
(10)Bad blood: When people have ill feelings, resentment or dislike towards each, other this can be called bad blood.
(11)Build bridges: When you build bridges you are trying to find ways to improve relationships between two people (or groups of people) who do not like each other or have different views.
(12)Fair-weather friend: Fair-weather friends are only your friends when things are easy.
(13)In the heat of the moment: The heat of the moment is a period of time when you are angry, excited or flustered, and therefore not thinking clearly.
(14)On the rocks: If you say your relationship or marriage is on the rocks, it means you are experiencing trials or troubles.
(15)Strange bedfellows: People who are strange bedfellows are connected somehow but have very different points of view.
(16)Get off on the wrong foot: This means that you had a bad start or made a bad first impression with someone.
(17)Give someone the cold shoulder:This is when someone ignores you on purpose or treats you in a deliberately unfriendly or unkind way.
(18)Wrapped around your little finger: it’s more about manipulating, tricking or persuading someone to do something for you. In a joking way, people may say a daughter has her father wrapped around her little finger as a dad would do anything for his daughter.

2. Discussion
(1) How many first dates have you had?
(2) How do you feel about first dates?
(3) What is a common first date like in your country?
(4) What is the best/worst first date experience you’ve ever had?
(5) What makes a good first date in your opinion?
(6) Is it important to be punctual on a first date?
(7) What is 'ghosting'? Have your ever ghosted someone? What happened?
(8) In your opinion, what are must-ask questions and what are mustn't ask questions?
question examples:
#1 What’s something I would never guess about you?
#2 If you could get on a plane right now to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
#3 What’s your favorite thing about where you live?
#4 When was the best year of your life so far?
#5 What is one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
#6 If you had no obligations, what would your perfect day look like?
#7 If you could be known for one thing, what would you want to go down in history for?
#8 If your friends or family members could describe you in one word, what would it be?
#9 What is something you regularly buy that’s expensive but worth it?
#10 What are your quirks that most people don’t know about?

3.  Cheesy pick-up lines
(1) What’s the most ridiculous pick-up line you’ve ever heard?
(2) examples:
#1. “Aside from being sexy, what do you do for a living?”
#2. “Hey, my name’s Microsoft. Can I crash at your place tonight?”
#3. “Are you a parking ticket? Because you’ve got FINE written all over you.”
#4. “Do you believe in love at first sight—or should I walk by again?”
#5. “Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes?”
#6. “Feel my shirt. Know what it’s made of? Boyfriend material.”
#7. “Did you just come out of the oven? Because you’re hot.”
#8. “It’s a good thing I have my library card, because I am totally checking you out.”
#9. “Is your dad a boxer? Because you’re a knockout!”
#10. “Are you a loan? Because you sure have my interest!”
#11. “Any chance you have an extra heart? Mine’s been stolen!”
#12. "If you were a vegetable, you’d be a ‘cute-cumber."
#13. "If you were a fruit, you’d be a ‘fine-apple.’"
#14. "I was wondering if you could tell me: If you’re here, who’s running Heaven?"
#15. "Do you have a map? I just got lost in your eyes."
#16. "I think there’s something wrong with my phone. Could you try calling it to see if it works?"
#17. "Do you ever get tired from running through my thoughts all night?"
#18. "Your hand looks heavy—can I hold it for you?"
#19. "Are you a time traveler? Because I absolutely see you in my future."
#20. " I’m not usually religious, but when I saw you, I knew you were the answer to my prayers."
#21. "I’m really glad I just bought life insurance, because when I saw you, my heart stopped."
#22. " I’d say, ‘God bless you,’ but it looks like he already did."
#23. "Your eyes are like the ocean; I could swim in them all day."
#24. "Are you an electrician? Because you’re definitely lighting up my day/night!"

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2023/04/25 The discussion on infidelity 

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2023/04/25 The discussion on infidelity 

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1. idioms
(1) monkey business: Mischievous or deceitful behavior
(2) double cross: An act of betrayal
(3) as queer as a three-dollar bill: If something is queer as a three-dollar bill, it is obviously untrue or fake.
(4)bent as a nine bob note: extremely dishonest or criminally-minded
(5) foul play: Unfair or dishonest behavior (especially involving violence)
(6) Judas kiss: false love; an act of betrayal
(7) window dressing: the act or an instance of making something appear deceptively attractive or favorable. : something used to create a deceptively favorable or attractive impression.
(8)quiet as a cat: If somebody is as quiet as a cat they make as little noise as possible and try to be unnoticeable.

2. Discussion
(1) What is adultery? (adultery synonyms: infidelity, affair, disloyalty)

(2) How bad is it?
(3) Is it worse for the adulterer to be a man or a woman?
(4) Do the couple have to be married for adultery to take place?
(5) Do you think adultery should be a criminal offense?
(6) What punishment should the adulterer and his / her lover receive?
(7) Could you trust your partner again if they had cheated on you?
(8) How many times would you forgive a cheating partner before filing for a divorce?
(9) Do you think you should be able to sue a cheating partner on the grounds of breach of marriage contract?
(10) What would you do if you discovered your partner had been unfaithful just once – five years ago?
(11) Do you agree with the expression “once an adulterer, always an adulterer”?
(12) Why do people commit adultery?
(13) Are there any telltale signs your partner might veer off the path?
(14) Is adultery a natural part of human relations our jealousies cannot cope with?
(15) Is dating another person adultery or do you have to have sex?
(16) Are extra-marital affairs common in your society?)

3. Esther Perel on affairs: do you break up or can you make up?
Perel’s thinking goes like this: in the past, women were economically and legally dependent on men and divorce was rare. Now, in countries where women have equal rights and financial independence, the culture demands that she exercise them and throw out the cheat. Meanwhile, men are seen as weak if they stay with an unfaithful wife.

Perel thinks we have huge expectations of our relationships because we have elevated our partners to God-like positions.

“In the secularization of the western world, we are turning to romantic love for a host of needs that we used to look for in religion. We look in our partners for transcendence, ecstasy, comfort, meaning, wholeness, and belonging.”

Many crumble under the pressure, and in the digital age, “it has never been easier to cheat, and it has never been more difficult to keep a secret.”

Research indicates a 40% jump in the number of women having affairs since 1990, according to Perel, as economic and social conditions have changed, while men’s rates have held steady.

Perel says you cannot affair-proof your marriage. Happy people still stray.

“I see people in satisfying, happy relationships. They say, ‘I love my partner, I’m having an affair’. It’s not that they want to leave the person they are with, it’s that they want to leave the person they have themselves become.”

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The secret to desire in a long-term relationship | Esther Perel | TED

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2024/04/18 Robots nad artificial inteligence

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2024/04/18 Robots nad artificial inteligence

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1. Idioms
(1)Bells and whistles

When something has bells and whistles on it, it means that it has lots of cool features.

(2)Cog in the machine
a small or insignificant member of a larger organization or system

(3)To hit the panic button
respond to a situation by panicking or taking emergency measures.

(4)To be in tune with somebody
having a good understanding of someone or something

(5)To be on the same wavelength
means people are acting or thinking in accord or agreement, The plan went off without a hitch because everyone was on the same wavelength and worked great together.

(6)To make something/somebody tick
If you know what makes someone tick, you understand why that person behaves the way he or she does. Opinions, beliefs and points of view.

(7)A well-oiled machine
a well-oiled system or company operates without problems. Each of these can also be referred to as a well-oiled machine. Synonyms and related words. Useful and effective and working correctly.

(8)To pull the plug
prevent something from happening or continuing.

"the company pulled the plug on the deal because it was not satisfied with the terms"

2. Discussion
(1) Are you concerned or excited by the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and robots?
(2)Do you believe most jobs in the future will be automated? Are there any that can’t be automated?
(3)Do you think a future world in which AI and robots take over all jobs is utopian or dystopian?
(4)Can you imagine a doomsday scenario like in the movie Terminator being possible?
(5)If automation takes over large numbers of jobs will a universal basic wage be necessary in your view?
(6)Do you believe robots have the potential to become lifelike and indistinguishable from humans?
(7)Will it ever be possible to have a relationship with a robot?
(8)Do you think that in the future people will be able to use technology to ‘upgrade’ their bodies and brainpower?
(9)In your opinion how long will it be before self-driving cars are common on the roads?
(10)Do you think you would feel comfortable in a self-driving car?
(11)Have you used any app or software which utilizes AI?
(12)Would you like to have a robot pet?
(13)Will you go to a restaurant that has robot servers?
(14)Will robots ever like identical to humans?
(15)Do you think robots will ever have emotions or be able to love?
(16)What would happen if you programmed a robot to hate and to build other robots that hated?
(17)What are some advantages and disadvantages of robots?
for example: In many situations robots can increase productivity, efficiency, quality and consistency of products: Unlike humans, robots don't get bored.

Robots are Expensive. Robots replace humans. ...

Maintenance and Security. The upfront cost is not the only aspect of making the robots expensive. ...

Human capabilities and Emotionlessness. ...

Power and Programming. ...

Increase in the rate of unemployment.

3. Robot Facts
(1)The term ‘robot’ comes from the Czech word ‘Robota’, that means ‘Drudgery’ or ‘hard work’ and ‘forced labor’.
(2)In contrast to some fictional movies, robots do not have feelings or emotions. However, there is a development of Sentient Robot where it explores consciousness and artificial intelligence.
(3)Japan uses about half a million industrial robots, that’s half of the total robot population in the world!
(4)The US Marine Corps tested a four-legged robotic dog to explore its use for combat.
(5)The Japanese government is spending one-third of its budget on the growth of Care-Robots to help the elderly.
(6)Robophobia is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an irrational fear of robots.

In contrast to their professions, tech moguls like Elon Musk and Bill Gates have a disorder called Robophobia. This disorder may be common for most people who find it bizarre when a robot is socializing with humans.
(7)The proper term for a female robot is “Gynoid”.

The term “Android” refers only to a male looking robot. In contrast, the proper term for a female robot is “Gynoid” where they appear widely in science fiction film and art.

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Disney's Big Hero 6 - Official US Trailer 1

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1. Characteristics of Open-Minded People

In general, open-minded people tend to:

Be curious to hear what others think

Be able to have their ideas challenged

Not feel angry when they are wrong

Have empathy for other people

Consider what other people are thinking

Be humble about their own knowledge and expertise

Want to hear what other people have to say

Believe others have a right to share their beliefs and thoughts

2. Words to describe someone who is open-minded
* have/keep an open mind: to be willing to listen to other people’s opinions about someone or something

*liberal: accepting different opinions and ways of behaving and tending to be sympathetic to other people

*tolerant: willing to accept someone else’s beliefs, way of life etc without criticizing them, even if you disagree with them

* receptive: willing to listen or to consider suggestions

* broad-minded: willing to accept many different types of behaviour and not easily shocked

* adaptable: adaptable people can change their behaviour or ideas easily in order to deal with new situations

* enterprising: willing to try or think of new ideas or methods

* open: willing to consider many different possibilities

* live and let live: used for saying that you should accept other people’s beliefs and way of life, even if they are very different from your own

3. Idioms related to mind
(1) Put your mind at ease.-Reassure you.
Let me put your mind at ease. Your travel expenses will be paid by the company.
(2)Out of sight, out of mind.- Forget someone you don't see frequently.
As soon as he retired he was forgotten. Out of sight, out of mind!
(3) My mind went blank. - Forget everything momentarily or be unable to think clearly.
I was so nervous during the test that my mind went blank!
(4) Never mind. - Don't worry. It's not important.
"Sorry I can't be of help."
"Never mind. It's OK."
(5) Make up your mind. - Reach a decision
There are many options. I can't make up my mind.
(6) Have something in mind. - Be considering something
We haven't decided where we're going yet but we've got something in mind.
(7) Cross your mind. - Come into your thoughts as a possibility
It crossed my mind that the child might be hungry.
(8) Be in two minds. - Be undecided.
I'm in two minds about what to do.
(9) Lose your mind. - Go crazy
Jack nearly lost his mind when he missed the flight!

4. Discussion
(1) What’s something that nobody could ever steal from you?
(2) Who would you like to forgive right now?
(3) What is happiness?
(4) What impact do you want to leave on the people you love?
(5) What is life too short to tolerate?
(6) What’s something that used to scare you, but doesn’t anymore?
(7) What do you want to remember forever?
Do you think you are happy?
(8) What do you always look forward to?
(9) What do you appreciate the most about your life?
(10) What recently reminded you of how time flies?
(11) What’s something that everyone should be able to say before they die?
(12) What’s the number one life change that you need to make in the next six months?

(13) What would you do differently if you knew no one would judge you?
(14) What are your opinions on abortions and gun control?
(15) What is 'cancel culture'? Is 'cancel culture' a form of protest?
(16) Do you agree?

Women are much more complicated than men.

Beauty pageants are another way to objectify women.

Social networking sites are used for stalking instead of communicating.

Is binge-watching television and movies a good way to spend time?

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1. Idioms
(1) “Hit the hay.”

“Sorry, guys, I have to hit the hay now!”

At first, it seems like the person saying this really wants to punch some hay. But it really just means that they’re really tired and want to go to sleep.
(2) “Up in the air”

“Hey, did you ever figure out those plans?”

“No, they’re still up in the air for now. We’ll figure everything out later.”
(3)“Stabbed in the back”: Being stabbed in the back means that you’ve been betrayed by someone who you thought you could trust.

“I don’t want to be Hayley’s friend anymore, she stabbed me in the back!”
(4)“Takes two to tango”

“David isn’t the only guilty one here! After all, it takes two to tango.”
It literally does take two to tango--you can’t dance the tango unless you have a partner. But this idiom means that if there’s a suspicious situation, then there’s more than one culprit. They couldn’t have done it by themselves.
(5) “Kill two birds with one stone.”-accomplish two different things at the same time.

“Why not go to the post office on your way to the mall and kill two birds with one stone?”
(6) “Piece of cake”-it’s so simple that it’s as easy as eating one.

“Ha, that assignment was really a piece of cake!”

(7) “Costs an arm and a leg”-It just means that it costs a lot of money, so it would be as painful (for your wallet) as cutting off an arm and a leg to pay for it!

“Matt, I really want that car, but it costs an arm and a leg. I don’t think I should get it for now.”
(8)“Rule of thumb”

“As a rule of thumb, you should usually pay for your date’s dinner, too.”

A rule of thumb is a “rule” that’s not totally precise. It’s based off common experience and common sense.
(9) “Blow off steam”

“Hey, I’m feeling pretty angry right now. I’m going to go blow off some steam.”

To blow off some steam isn’t to stand above a tea kettle and huff and puff! When you’re feeling angry or upset, and want to do something to relieve those emotions, then you’re blowing off steam

2. Discussion
(1) Is it OK to arrive an hour late to a dinner party?
(2) Is it OK to have a conversation on your cell phone in a restaurant?
(3) Is it OK to spank a child?
(4) Is it OK to dye the fur of your pet?
(5) Is it OK to drive at the speed limit in the overtaking lane even if other cars want to pass you?
(6) Is it OK to disagree with your teacher or boss? What about your parents?
(7) Is it OK to eat the last cookie remaining on a plate?
(8) Is it OK to jay walk?
(9) Is it OK to drink alcohol at the beach?
(10) Is it OK to try on clothes in a shop then buy them online?
(11) Is it OK to tell a lie to avoid meeting someone?
(12) Is it OK to borrow money from friends?
(13) Is it OK to date two people at the same time?
(14) Is it OK for men to cry?
(15) Is it OK to use swear words?
(16) Is it OK to avoid becoming involved when you see strangers fighting?
(17) What things are not ok to do in your house?
(18) Is it OK to own a gun?

3. Standard conversation
Different ways to respond "How are you?":
* I'm fine/good/great. or pretty good.
*Doing Really Well!
*Not too shabby. (fairly good or quite good)

*Can't complain.

*Couldn’t Be Better!
*Never Better!
*Peachy! (Very good, excellent. Life is peachy now summer has come.)
*I am on Top of the World!
*I am on Cloud Nine!
*Over the Moon!

4. When women say these in the following, what do they mean really?
* I am fine.
*Whatever
*I don’t care
*Do what you want
*Nothing
*Go ahead
*Don’t worry about it
*Leave me alone
*You don’t have to ask for permission
*What’s done is done
*Mhmm
*I don’t need any help

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1. Common proverbs
(1)The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Meaning: Children tend to resemble their parents in appearance and behavior.
(2) All that glitters is not gold.
Meaning: Something that appears valuable or true may not be.
(3) A picture is worth a thousand words.
Meaning: Artwork or images can convey meanings that go beyond verbal description.
(4) Beggars can’t be choosers.

Meaning: People who depend on the generosity of others must be content with what is offered to them.

(5)  A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Meaning: What you already have in hand is better than what you might get.
(6) An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Meaning: If you eat healthily, you will be healthy.
(7) Better safe than sorry.

Meaning: It is better to be precautious than to have regrets later on.
(8) Blood is thicker than water.
Meaning: Relationships between family members are the strongest of all.
(9) When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Meaning: When you visit a new place, leave all judgments behind and embrace the local ways of life.
(10) Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Meaning: Don’t make plans based on events that haven’t happened.
(11) Every cloud has a silver lining.
Meaning: No matter what difficult situation you’re in, there is always a positive side to be seen.
(12) A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Meaning: It is necessary to take the first step to achieve a long-term goal.
(13) Necessity is the mother of invention.
Meaning: When you really need something, you find a way to make it happen.
(14) Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Meaning: Someone’s wrongful conduct is not justification for acting in the same way.
(15) The pen is mightier than the sword.
Meaning: Written words can yield more power than brute force or action.
(16) Birds of a feather flock together.
Meaning: People tend to stick together with other like-minded people.

(17) Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Meaning: Important work takes time.
(18) Time waits for no one.

Meaning: Don’t procrastinate or delay taking action, as we have no control over the passage of time.
(19) Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Meaning: Too many people working on the same project can lead to an inferior result.
(20) When there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Meaning: If there are rumors or signs that something is true, it usually is.
(21) If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Meaning: If something works well already, don’t bother trying to change it.

(22) You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Meaning: It’s impossible to satisfy two opposite desires.

2. Discussion
(1) Do you usually follow the advice that ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’?
(2) What do you think is meant by ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer’? Do you think it's good advice?
(3) Do you believe that ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’ is true? Do you consider yourself to be tough?
(4) Some say that ‘Fortune favours the bold’. Can you think of any examples of that being true? Do you consider yourself to be bold?
(5) Do you agree with the saying ‘Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst’?
(6) ‘There is no such thing as a free lunch’. Do you agree or disagree?
(7) Do you think it is generally true that ‘God helps those that help themselves’?
(8) Do you usually follow the advice that ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’?
(9) Do you agree that ‘Too many cooks spoil the soup’? Can you think of any examples?
(10) Has ‘Easy come, easy go’ (money comes and goes easily) been true in your life?
(11) Is it a good idea to follow the saying ‘If you can’t beat them join them’?
(12) In your experience is it correct that ‘Blood is thicker than water’ (family relationships are the most important)?
(13) Regarding other people do you agree that ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover’ (you can’t know what someone is like just from their appearance)?

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1. Examples of stereotypes
(1) All women are bad drivers

(2) Men don't ever ask for directions

(3) Older people don't know how to use technology

(4) All little girls want to grow up to be princesses

(5) Smart girls are not pretty
(6) Guys are messy and unclean.
(7) Men who spend too much time on the computer or reading are geeks.
(8) Men who are not into sports are termed as gay.

(9) French are romantic.
(10) All Asians know kung fu.
(11) Men always lose all arguments against girls.
(12) Men take 2 seconds to shower.

2. Idioms related men and women
* a woman’s work is never done  –  I have a lot to do
* make an honest woman of her  –  marry her
* be a woman of her word  –  be reliable
* be a one-woman man  –  be faithful to his partner
* a woman of letters  –  a woman of learning
* a woman on a mission  –  a determined woman
* be a fine figure of a woman  –  be an attractive woman
* a woman among women  –  an exceptional woman
* a woman’s place is in the home  –  women should be at home
* who’s “she” – the cat’s mother?  –  don’t refer to me as “she”
* be man enough to do sth  –  be brave enough to do sth
* be your own man  –  be independent
* it’s every man for himself  –  you are responsible for yourself
* be the man of the match  –  be the best-rated player
* a man of the people  –  someone who gets on with everybody
* talk man to man  –  talk frankly
* man’s best friend  –  a dog
* a man of the world  –  a man with life experience
* it’s a man’s world  –  the world favours men

2. Discussion
(1) Do you have any strong biases or prejudices? If so how do you think it came about?
(2) Do you feel negatively towards any particular racial group?
(3) Do you think there is much racism in your society?
(4) Do you have a negative impression of any particular country? How do you think you got this impression?
(5) Are there any cultures you feel negative towards?
(6) What are some cultural stereotypes? Do you think there is any truth to them?
(7) Are there any religions you feel negatively about? Why?
(8) In your opinion is sexism a big issue in your society?
(9) Have you ever been subjected to sexist behaviour?
(10) What are some gender stereotypes? Do you think there is any truth to these stereotypes?
(11) Is ageism an issue in your society? How is it manifest?
(12) Do you think old people tend to be more conservative than young people?

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1. Idioms

above board

If a situation or business is described as above board, it is open, honest and legal.
"There are not secret negotiations. Our dealings have always been above board."

barefaced liar

Someone who lies easily, with a total lack of shame, is a barefaced liar.
"That barefaced liar stole my watch and said he'd found it!"

bend the truth

If you bend the truth, you say something that is not entirely true.
"Ok, I bent the truth a bit. I told him it was my natural colour, but I didn't say that my hairdresser helped me to keep it natural!"

(the) benefit of the doubt

If you give someone the benefit of the doubt, you choose to believe that the person is innocent, honest or telling the truth, because there is no evidence to the contrary.
"Although he found it hard to believe Tom's explanation, the teacher decided to give him the benefit of the doubt."

black market

The black market refers to the illegal buying and selling of goods or currencies.
"Be careful of what you buy on the black market - it's not always good quality."

break every rule in the book

If you behave in a completely unacceptable way, you break every rule in the book.
"Our competitors obtained the contract by breaking every rule in the book."

buy a lemon

If buy something, especially a car, that is defective, unsatisfactory, constantly gives trouble or stops running after a short time, you buy a lemon.
"Th e car I bought was a real lemon. It broke down two weeks later."

in cahoots with someone

If one person is in cahoots with another, they are working in close partnership, usually conspiring to do something dishonest.
"There was a rumour that the Mayor was in cahoots with a chain of supermarkets."

put/lay one's cards on the table

If you put (or lay) your cards on the table, you speak honestly and openly about your feelings and intentions.
"Let's be honest with each other and put our cards on the table."

catch red-handed

If a person is caught red-handed, they are caught while they are doing something wrong or illegal.
"The police arrived as the burglar was leaving the house. He was caught red-handed."

cook the books

A person who cooks the books is one who changes the facts or figures in the financial accounts, often in order to steal money.
"The actor discovered after a while that his agent was cooking the books."

(as) crooked as a dog's hind leg

To say that someone is as crooked as a dog's hind leg means that they are very dishonest indeed.
"He can't be trusted - he's as crooked as a dog's hind leg."

daylight robbery

The term daylight robbery is used when the price of something is thought to be much too high.
"$10 for an orange juice? That's daylight robbery!"

economical with the truth

To say that a person is economical with the truth means that, without actually lying, they omit important facts or give incomplete information.
"The politician was accused of being economical with the truth.

A white lie is a small lie that is not very important.

If you pull someone’s leg, you tell a lie as a joke on a person.

To lie through your teeth is to lie without caring at all, it can also mean telling a lot of lies.

If a lie has no legs, it is quite obviously a lie and is recognized as one very quickly.

A person who is as honest as the day is long is a very honest person.

2. Discussion
(1) Would you describe yourself as an honest person?
(2) Do you ever tell white lies? How about black lies?
(3) How important is honesty in your culture?
(4) Do you agree there are situations in life when you need to be dishonest? Is it possible to live a life avoiding lies completely?

(5) If a friend of yours asked for your opinion on their appearance and you think they look bad would you tell a lie even if you knew that they would be offended?
(6) Do you ever tell people you’re OK when actually you’re not feeling OK?
(7) Is not telling the full story a form of dishonesty?
(8) How honest are politicians in your country?
(9) Who’s the most honest person you know? Do you respect their honesty?
(10) Do you prefer your friends and family to be honest?
(11) Do you hide things from people if you think they will react badly?
(12) Have you ever been caught out telling a lie? How did the person react?
(13) Have you ever caught anyone out lying to you? What did you do?
(14)What do you think are the 5 most common things that people tell lies about?
(15)What kinds of small lies are acceptable in your culture? Can you give examples?
(16) Have you ever told a lie in order not to hurt somebodies feelings or upset them?

(17) Can you think of a situation in which you would find it difficult to be honest?
(18)Do you think it is possible to beat a lie detector test? If so, how can it be done?

3. Describe the 6 pictures above, how are they related to honesty and lies?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
Idioms to express Agreement

All right – agreement in response to a direct appeal

to be all for it – to give complete agreement

I’m game – express willingness to do something

Count me in – agreeing to do something with the rest of the participants

of the same mind – similarity in opinions

to see eye to eye – to agree with someone having the same views and opinions on a particular matter

Couldn’t agree more – to express a firm agreement with someone.

Ayes – in favor of something (yes)

Idioms to express Disagreement

Count me out – disagreeing to do something with the rest of the participants

Not on speaking terms – a temporary breakdown in good relations

to have a bone to pick with someone – to complain about something done by the other person

to make something of – to argue about something

Noes- Not in favor of something (No)

(1) much ado about nothing

If people make much ado about nothing, they make a lot of fuss about something which is not important.
"A discussion took place about the colour of the receptionist's shoes - much ado about nothing!"

(2) argue the toss

If you argue the toss, you dispute a decision or choice which has already been made.
"The final choice was made yesterday, so don't argue the toss now!"

(3) all hell broke loose

If you say that all hell broke loose, you mean that there was a sudden angry or noisy reaction to something.
"When it was announced that the plant was going to close down all hell broke loose."

(4) get off by back!

If you tell someone to get off your back, you are annoyed and ask them to stop finding faults or criticizing you.
"Liz, please, get off my back! You've been making comments about my work all morning!"

(5) battle lines are drawn

This expression is used to say that opposing groups are ready to defend the reason behind the conflict.
"The battle lines have been drawn between those who accept the changes and those who are against the proposed reforms. "

(6) battle of wills

A conflict, argument or struggle where both sides are determined to win is described as a battle of wills.
"When they separated, neither party would make concessions - it was a battle of wills."

(7) blamestorming

A discussion among a group of people who try to determine who or what is to blame for a particular mistake, failure or wrongdoing, is called 'blamestorming'.
"A blamestorming session took place following the unfavourable reviews in the press."

(8) bone of contention

A bone of contention is a matter or subject about which there is a lot of disagreement.
"The salaries have been agreed on, but opening on Sundays is still a bone of contention."

(9) bone to pick

If you have a bone to pick with someone, you are annoyed with them and want to talk to them about it.
"Mark wants to see the boss. He says he's got a bone to pick with him."

(10) in good/bad books

If you are in somebody's good or bad books, you have their approval or disapproval.
"I'm in my wife's bad books at the moment because I forgot our wedding anniversary."

(11) bury the hatchet

When people who have had a disagreement decide to forget their quarrel and become friends again, they bury the hatchet.
"I didn't agree with my colleague's decision, but for the sake of peace, I decided to bury the hatchet."

(12) call someone's bluff

If you call someone's bluff, you challenge them to do what they threaten to do (while believing that they will not dare to do it).
"When Jack decided to call his bluff after the next-door neighbour threatened to demolish the fence between their houses, there were no more complaints."

2. Discussion: Do you agree or disagree?
(1) Marijuana should be legalized.
(2) Same sex marriages should be made legal.
(3) Businesses should be free to refuse service to whoever they wish.
(4) Shouting is a type of violence.
(5) Capitalism is the only system of government that ensures prosperity.
(6) Governments should always be as small as possible.
(7) Abortion is unethical.
(8) Artificial Intelligence is a threat to humankind.
(9) Climate change is real.
(10) Governments need to collect data about us to protect against terrorism.
(11) The death penalty is sometimes necessary.
(12) Free trade deals are most beneficial to all parties.
(13) Sweet foods should be banned, restricted or highly taxed to counter obesity.
(14) Should there be shows on tv like "16 and pregnant"?
(15) Should transgender women and men be allowed to use the restroom of the identity with which they claim rather than who they were born as?
(16) Should news report show or mention the identities of mass shooters or terrorists?
(17) Should terminally ill patients have a right to end their life?
(18) Should young teenagers who get pregnant get to keep their baby?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms

afraid of one's own shadow

A person who is afraid of his/her own shadow is very nervous or easily frightened.
"I've never seen anyone so easily scared. She's afraid of her own shadow!"

bated breath

If you wait for something with bated breath, you are both anxious and excited about an imminent event.
"We waited with bated breath for the winner to be announced."

make your blood run cold

If something makes your blood run cold, it shocks or scares you a lot.
"The look in the prisoner's eye made my blood run cold!"

break out in a cold sweat

If you break out in a cold sweat, you begin to perspire a lot, usually from anxiety.
"I get nervous at the dentist's and usually break out in a cold sweat."

bundle of nerves

If you describe someone as a bundle of nerves, you mean that they are very nervous, tense or worried.
"My son is doing his driving test today. Needless to say he's a bundle of nerves!"

(have) butterflies in stomach

If you have butterflies in your stomach, you are feeling very nervous.
"At the beginning of an exam, I always have butterflies in my stomach."

can't stand the pace

If you can't stand the pace, you are unable to do things well when there is a lot of pressure.
"She once worked for a famous fashion designer but she couldn't stand the pace."

(like a) cat on hot bricks

A person who is like a cat on hot bricks is very nervous or restless.
"The week before the results were published, she was like a cat on hot bricks."

on the edge of one's seat

Someone who is on the edge of their seat is very interested in something and finds it both extremely exciting and nerve-wracking.
"Look at Bob! He's on the edge of his seat watching that rugby match!"

get one's fingers burnt

If someone gets their fingers burnt, they suffer as a result of an unsuccessful action and are nervous about trying again.
"He got his fingers burnt so badly in the last elections that he decided to withdraw from politics."

heart in one's mouth

A person who has their heart in their mouth feels extremely anxious or nervous faced with a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
"Emma had her heart in her mouth when she saw her two-year-old son standing in front of the open window."

heart misses a beat

If your heart misses (or skips) a beat, you have sudden feeling of fear or excitement.
"When the lights suddenly went out, my heart missed a beat."

heebie-jeebies

A state of apprehension, nervousness or anxiety is called the heebie-jeebies.
"Having to go down to the car park at night gives me the heebie-jeebies."

hold your breath

If someone is holding their breath, they are waiting anxiously or excitedly for something to happen or be announced.
"I went for a second interview today - now I'm holding my breath!"

if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen

This expression means that if you feel that there is too much pressure, you can leave.
Amid the growing tension, the organiser declared : "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!"

ignorance is bliss

This means that if you don't know about a problem or unpleasant fact, you won't worry about it.
"I didn't know our neighbour was an escaped prisoner until the police arrived - ignorance is bliss!"

2. Discussion
(1) What is your biggest fear?
(2) Are you afraid of any animals? For example snakes or spiders?
(3) Does the dark scare you? Do you believe in ghosts?
(4) Do big dogs usually intimidate you?
(5) Are you afraid of speaking in public?
(6) Are you afraid of flying?
(7) Do you feel anxious in high places, such as at the top of cliffs or on bridges?
(8) Do thunderstorms scare you?
(9) Are you afraid of injections?
(10) Are you afraid of getting old?
(11) What is the difference between a fear and a phobia?
(12) Do you have any phobias?
(13) What is the best way of overcoming a fear or phobia? (14) Have you ever overcome one of your fears?
(15) Do you know any people that suffer from a serious phobia?

3. Examples of phobias
A phobia is an overwhelming or debilitating fear, usually of something that poses no real danger at all.

Animal type: Examples include dogs, snakes, and spiders.

Natural environment type: Examples include storms, water, and heights.

Blood, injection, and injury (BII) type: Examples include needles, invasive medical procedures, and blood.

Situational type: Examples include a fear of flying and a fear of enclosed spaces.

Other type: This type is characterized by any phobia that does not fit into the above categories.

Acrophobia (fear of heights)

Aerophobia (fear of flying)

Agoraphobia (fear of public spaces or crowds)

Glossophobia (fear of public speaking)

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
(1) To be Long in the Tooth

This expression indicates that somebody is too old to do something.

He is very long in the tooth to pursue a career in football.

(2) To rob the Cradle

We use this expression to indicate that a person is dating somebody else much younger than them.

My Uncle Ted is dating a 20 year old girl. That’s really robbing the cradle!

(3)To Have a Senior Moment

To have a senior moment means to have a temporary loss of concentration or memory.

I had a senior moment and forgot where I put my phone.

(4)To be no Spring Chicken

We use this expression to describe somebody who is getting older.
* My uncle can’t run like he used to, he’s no spring chicken.
(5)Mutton Dressed as Lamb

This idiom means that somebody is dressing like a much younger person.

The style doesn’t suit her, she looks like a mutton dressed as lamb.

(6)Act Your Age

Normally we use this idiom when an adult is behaving like a child.

Stop being silly and act your age.

(7) Bite the bullet: Doing something you don't want to but also expressing that you're making a proactive choice.

Example: I'm going to go ahead and bite the bullet rather than waiting around.
(8) Under the weather: Sick. Typically used to describe minor illnesses like a cold.
(9) Better late than never: Describes things that are better done than not, even if it takes a long time.

Example: I went back to college at 30 years old and figured better late than never.
(10) Cut corner: To skip steps or not do things completely.

Example: This is an important project so don't cut any corners on this one.
(11) We'll cross that bridge when we get to it: Let's avoid addressing the problem until later on.

Example: We won't find out until next month so we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
(12) To cut someone some slack: To not manage someone very strictly or to not be critical.
Example: Cut me some slack. I'm trying.
(13) Step up one’s game: To work harder or perform better.
Example: You need to step up your game if you want a promotion this year.
(14) Your guess is as good as mine: I don't know either.

Example: I haven't found out anything so your guess is as good as mine.

2. Discussion
(1) What problem are you currently grappling with?
(2) What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
(3) What is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?
(4) Which of your vices or bad habits would be the hardest to give up?
(5) Name something that is completely overrated.
(6) Is it better to be loved or to love?
(7) If you had to choose only one, love or money?
(8) What do you miss the most about being a kid?
(9) Who do you wish you could get back into contact with?
(10) What is the kindest thing you’ve ever done for someone else?
(11) Remember that quote by Maya Angelou, “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”?
(12) How do you usually open up a conversation with another adult that you have just met?
do you find common grounds like:

Commenting on the situation/environment around you. For example, “This cafe has the best coffee in town, hasn’t it?”

Giving a compliment. For example, “I love your coat. Do you mind me asking where you got it?”

Mentioning a common interest/person/similar background. For example, “Have you seen the latest episode of X?”

Asking for advice/opinion. For example, “Do you know the best place to get lunch in town?”

Talking about a shared experience. For example, “I really enjoyed today’s class. The new teacher is great, isn’t she?”

3. Imagine these situations, what would you do?
* Imagine engaging a disagreement (or agreement) with a friend, family member, acquaintance, colleague or stranger with the intention of learning from and more deeply understanding the other’s perspective and further clarifying your own.

*Imagine not being concerned with or interested in trying to convince the other of something, pointing out what he doesn’t know or why and how she’s wrong, ‘winning’ in some way or other, or making him or her look bad.

*Imagine showing up in conversation with authentic curiosity, the ability to listen deeply, and a desire to ask and respond to genuine questions, the only purpose of which is mutual learning, understanding and clarity.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
(1) Take it or leave it: To either accept or reject something.
(2) Sit on the fence: To delay or avoid making a decision.
(3) Take a back seat: To give the power to someone else and take a less important position.
(4)A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: You should hold on tightly to something you already have rather than risk losing it by trying to get something better.
(5)My way or the highway: People have to do what you ask. Otherwise, they will have to leave or not participate.

(6) Weigh the pros and cons: To consider carefully the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.
(7) in two minds: If you are in two minds about something, you have difficulty deciding what to do.
(8) keep your options open: When you keep your options open, you postpone making a decision so that you can choose among several possible courses of action
(9) know your own mind: If you know your own mind, you know what you want or like, and are capable of making a decision.
(10) (the) lesser of two evils: If you choose the lesser of two evils, you opt for the less unpleasant of two poor options.
"I didn't want to go at all, but choosing the train instead of driving was the lesser of two evils; at least I could relax on the way."
(12)(the) line of least resistance: If you opt for the line of least resistance, you choose the easiest way of doing something.
(13) (the) luck of the draw: To refer to something that happens as the luck of the draw means that it is the result of pure chance, with no possibility of choice.
"The samples distributed varied in size and value; it was the luck of the draw."
(14) no accounting for taste: This expression is used to indicate surprise at another person's likes or dislikes. It’s a way of saying that personal preferences or choices are not debatable.
(15) (a) no-brainer: A decision or choice that requires little or no thought, because the best option is so obvious, is called a no-brainer.

2. Discussion
If you:

had one wish, what would it be?

were a millionaire, what would you buy?

could be famous for one day, which celebrity would you become?

could travel everywhere, where would you go?

had a chance to change only one thing in your personality or appearance, what would it be?

could change your past, would you do it?

were a president of your country, what would you do first?

What would you do if:

your child failed his university exam?

your 13-year old child got a tattoo on the back of a tarantula?

your child didn't eat vegetables at dinner?

your 12-year old daughter said she was dating a high school student?

your child kept screaming because you didn't buy him candy in the grocery store?

Would you rather-

be invisible or superfast?

change your appearance or personality?

help animals or people?

work in a company or have a small business?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
* Pain in the neck – an irritating, annoying person
* A people person – an outgoing person who gets along with people really well and is a good listener

* A party animal – someone who likes to attend parties often
* Cheapskate – a mean person who doesn’t like spending money
* Happy camper – a person who is always happy and satisfied. We often use ‘happy camper’ in the negative.
* Nerd – someone who is very interested in science or technology, particularly in computers
* Life and soul of the party – someone who is energetic, and good fun during social occasions.
* Down-to-earth – someone who is practical and close to reality, who accepts other people as equals
* Early bird – a person who wakes up, arrives to work, etc. before the usual time
* Larger than life – someone who is more exciting or interesting than other people
*Wimp – a weak person, someone who lacks confidence.
*Golden boy – a winning person that everyone is fond of.
*Slave driver – someone who makes other people work really hard
*Big mouth – someone who is not able to keep a secret
*Daydreamer – someone who is having dreamlike thoughts when they should be focusing on the present
*Full of yourself– someone who is too pleased with themselves

2. Discussion
(1) What is your favorite thing about your personality?”
(2) If you could have a fictional superhero for a best friend, who would it be?
(3) What color would you choose to describe yourself?
(4) What is something you have accomplished as an adult that your younger self would be proud of?
(5) Is there a place in the world that you feel most represents who you are?
(6) Where is one place you’d love to travel to again?
(7) If your pet could talk, what would their voice sound like? What would they say about you?
(8) Where do you feel most centered and happy?
(9) What’s your favorite comfort food?
(10) What do you wear when you’re feeling your very best, and why?
(11) What is the best meal you’ve ever had, and what’s the best meal you’ve ever cooked for yourself?
(12) What do you love most about your home?
(13) How are you consciously practicing sustainability?
(14) What's one form of self-expression you've been too hesitant to explore?
(15) Scuba diving or skydiving?
(16) What are you most grateful for in this season of life?
(17) Tell me about your childhood best friend.
(18) When do you feel most authentically yourself?
(19) What’s one thing you’d tell yourself at my age? What’s one thing your younger self would tell you?
(20) What do you wish you’d known before having kids?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
(1)To turn over a new leaf: to change your life completely.

example: ‘It looks like after that warning from the principal, James has turned over a new leaf.’
(2)Out with the old and in with the new: we’re changing everything.

example: ‘Shall we get rid of these curtains too?’ ‘Yes. Out with the old and in with the new.’
(3)To start [time] with a clean sheet: to forget the past and move forward without recriminations.

example: ‘OK, let’s start 2020 with a clean sheet.’
(4) A change is as good as a rest: Doing something different from usual can be as invigorating as a relaxing holiday.

example: ‘We won’t have time for a proper holiday this year, because we’ll be moving house.’ ‘Never mind. They say a change is as good as a rest.’

(5) To ring in the new year: to celebrate the moment when new year arrives at midnight on 31st December.

example: ‘We were round at Harold’s with his mum and dad and cousin ringing in the new year.’
(6)To kick the habit: to give up something addictive.

example: ‘Your father tried to kick the habit last new year but he just loves his cigars.’
(7)To go cold turkey: to give up an addictive substance, e.g. nicotine, by simply stopping using it.
example: ‘Was it hard to give up smoking.’ ‘No. I went cold turkey. Just quit.’
(8)To stick to [something]: to follow a plan of action without deviating from it.

example: ‘My mum started her new diet for new year. I just hope she can stick to it.’
(9) No pain, no gain.- If an improving action does not cost you anything, you will not benefit from it.

example: ‘Going to the gym twice a week is so difficult for me.’ ‘Keep at it, mum! No pain, no gain.’
(10)To mend your ways: improve your behaviour.

example: ‘If you don’t mend your ways you’re going to end up in court with a driving ban.’
(11)To shake things up a bit: Change habits.

example: ‘We’re just stuck in a rut, Albert, doing the same things. Let’s shake things up a bit in the new year!’ ‘OK, Barbara. What about flying to Rio?’
(12)To kick off the new year: to start the new year.

example: ‘Let’s kick off the new year with a nice trip to the mountains!’
(13)To bury the hatchet: to forgive each other and make friends again.

example: ‘You really should bury the hatchet with your Auntie Joan in the new year.’
(14)To tighten [one’s] belt: to spend much less.

example: ‘After buying all those Christmas presents we’re really going to have to tighten our belts in the new year.’ ‘OK. I’ll start by cancelling your Netflix subscription.’
(15)To get back into the swing of things: to return to normal.

example: ‘After the long Christmas break it took me a while to get back into the swing of things at work.’
(16) To give it my best shot: to try very hard to do something.

example: ‘This year my new year’s resolution is to give up cheese.’ ‘But you love Stilton, Janet.’ ‘I know. It won’t be easy, but I’m gonna give it my best shot.’
(17) To be three sheets to the wind: to be very drunk.

example: ‘Paul was three sheets to the wind at the new year’s eve party last night.’

2. Discussion
(1) Do you make New Year's resolutions every year? Do you write them down?
(2) What are some of the most common New Year's resolutions people make?
(3) What were your New Year's resolutions last year? Was the last year a good year for you? What were some of its highlights?

(4) Why do people need a starting point in time to begin an activity (like the beginning of the week, month,…)?
(5) What do you do to keep yourself motivated?
(6) Do you keep your New Year's resolutions private or do you share them with friends and family?
(7) Do you need support to keep up with your New Year's resolutions?
(8) What is the biggest challenge facing humanity? Do you think the next year will bring us closer to solving this problem?
(9) Do you have a good feeling about the future? Are you optimistic or pessimistic?
(10) Which year has been the best of your life so far? What made it so good?
(11) Can you make any predictions about the upcoming year? What significant events will happen?
(12) What do you intend on doing differently next year?

3. Examples of new year resolution ideas
* Focus on a Passion, Not the Way You Look
* Work out to feel good, not be thinner.
* Stop gossiping.
* Do Random Acts of Kindness
* Go someplace you've never been.
* Turn off your phone one night a week.
* Reduce your waste.
* Travel on a small budget.
* Don't buy things you don't need.
* Start a new hobby.
* Buy less plastic.
* Send handwritten letters.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
1. The more the merrier

Meaning: the more people there are, the more enjoyable the event will be

Example: A: “Do you mind if I bring my friends along?” B: “Not at all! The more the merrier!”

2. Be / feel stuffed

Meaning: to be full after eating a heavy meal

Example: No more turkey for me, thanks. I’m stuffed!

3. Deck the halls

Meaning: to decorate the inside of your home for the holidays

Example: This weekend I will deck the halls with lights, shiny tinsel, and mistletoe.

4. Snowed in

Meaning: unable to leave because there’s too much snow

Example: My house is out in the country, so sometimes I'm snowed in for a week or so.

5. Get into the holiday spirit

Meaning: to feel joyful during the holiday season

Example: Sherry baked gingerbread cookies and put on some Christmas music to help her get into the holiday spirit.

6. Scrooge / Grinch

Meaning: a grumpy and unkind person who doesn’t like celebrating the holidays

Example: He wouldn’t even let me put on some holiday music. What a Scrooge!

7. Be there with bells on

Meaning: to be eager and more than happy to do something or go somewhere

Example: I asked him if he was coming to the party. He told me he’ll be there with bells on!

8. Ring in the new year

Meaning: to celebrate the end of the previous year and the beginning of the new one

Example: Carlos plans to ring in the new year with his three best friends.

9. Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle
Meaning: don’t get stressed out trying to make Christmas perfect.

10. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
Meaning: don’t be ungrateful when you receive a present, even if it’s not exactly what you wanted
Example:
- Oh no, I don’t like historical novels.
- Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

11. Good things come in small packages
Meaning: the size of a gift doesn’t determine what’s inside; in the same way, a small person may have a big heart
Example: At first I was saddened by the size of my gift, but I thought to myself that good things come in small packages. I was not mistaken, because inside there were keys to a new car!

12. It’s the thought that counts
Meaning: it’s the kindness behind an act that matters, however imperfect or insignificant it may be.
- Oh, I got another pair of socks. Couldn't grandma care more about my Xmas presents?
- Don't be picky. It’s the thought that counts.

13. Be my guest
Meaning: a polite way to let someone know that they should help themselves to something.
Example:
- Do you mind if I get that last piece of the fruitcake?
- Be my guest.

14. To beat the holiday blues
Meaning: to overcome the stress and frustration resulting from holiday preparation or resulting from the need to get back to your usual routine after a holiday.
Example: When I want to beat the holiday blues I always think about the fact that soon it will be over.

15. Made a pig of themselves

Meaning- When someone eats way too much, then this expression is used informally.

E.g. I made a real pig of myself at the party.

16. Eat like a horse

Meaning- Someone who eats a lot regularly.

E.g. Rohit is thin as a stick yet he eats like a horse.

17. Eat like a bird

Meaning- This means the opposite of ‘eat like a horse’. It refers to someone who eats very less.

E.g. Pooja was very concerned about her figure so she always ate like a bird.

18. Wolf food down

Meaning- Eating a lot very quickly.

E.g. The kids wolfed the burgers down and then started on the pizza.

19.Work up an appetite

Meaning- To do something that results in a buildup of your appetite.

E.g. Let me go for a walk to work up an appetite.

20. Spoils your appetite

Meaning- Something that no longer makes you feel hungry.

E.g. Looking at the gruesome video of the chickens being slaughtered at KFC made me lose my appetite.

21. Make your mouth water

Meaning- When you see something delicious or delectable and it makes you feel very hungry.

E.g. The smell of oven-fresh baked pizza made my mouth water.

2. Discussion
(1) Do you like holidays?
(2) What holidays do you celebrate?
(3) What holidays do you really look forward to?
(4) What holiday food do you like?
(5) What are the pros and cons of spending holidays with your family, with your friends, or alone?
(6) What do you think is the most overrated holiday?
(7) Are there any special occasions or anniversaries you think deserve to be a public holiday but are not?
(8) Do you usually need a holiday after your holiday?
(9) Is it better to stay at home on holidays or go somewhere?
(10) Do you think holidays are too commercialized?
(11) Do you like what’s on TV during holiday times in your country?
(12) Where did you use to go on holiday when you were a child? Do you still go back there? If so, has it changed since then?
(13) What's the first Christmas you can remember?
(14) What was the best present you ever received as a child?
(15) Do you go on diet after Christmas holidays?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Fashion Vocabulary

Garments – another word for items of clothes, apparels.
Accessories – things (bags, belts or jewellery) that can be added to your outfit to make it more attractive and stylish.
Lingerie – women’s underwear, undergarments.
Fashion victim – a person who wears popular trends and looks really ridiculous because he/she ends up looking like a store mannequin.
Baggy – wide-legged pants or loose-fitting shirts/blouses.
Catwalk or runway – a narrow flat platform, used by models to present designer clothes. Clothes stall – a booth displaying clothes in a market. Fashion icon – someone or something who is very well known as an example of style and high fashion. Must-haves – highly essential clothes that you must have in your wardrobe this season. Clothing must-haves also comprise the essentials of your wardrobe.

2. Fashion idioms and expressions:

To have a sense of style – to know what looks good on you and have your own style and taste.
To be old-fashioned – to wear clothes or do something that is no longer in style.
Strike a pose – to take a particular posture in order to impress. You can strike a pose for the camera.
To have an eye for fashion – to have a good taste and know what is “in fashion” and what is not.
Dress for the occasion – to wear something in the right place at the right time. Not to wear short skirt to church or bathing suit to a wedding (unless you are in Miami).
To be well dressed – attired in clothing that is of fashionable, expensive and properly fitted.
An anorak- Used to describe a dull person or an individual with a boring hobby who insists on talking about it.
Get dressed in your best bib and tucker- To dress in your best clothes
To have a bee in your bonnet-To be obsessed about something
Buckle down-To put in a lot of effort into doing something.
To put on your thinking cap-To start to think seriously about how to solve a problem.
Wolf in sheep's clothing-To pretend to be harmless when your really dangerous

Off-the-cuff-Without preparation
Dressed up like a dog's dinner-To be overdressed

3. Discussion

Do you pay attention to fads?

What were some fads when you were in high school or university?

What are some fads now?

Are fads the same as popular culture?

What are some of the fads in your home country? Do you like them?

Why do you think people pay attention to fads?

What fad influence your life the most?

What portion of the general population do you think creates or follows fads?

How do fads start and who starts them? Today? In the past?

If you wanted to start a trend, how would you go about it?

What are the current trends in fashion, electronics, music, books or movies?

What are the current trends in dating/relationships?

Are there any current trends you don't like?

Are there any trends from the past you hope come back?

Are there any trends from the past you hope never come back?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms

cut a dash

If a person cuts a dash, they make a striking impression by their appearance and attractive clothes.
"Wearing his uniform, my grandfather cut a dash on his wedding day."

deck out

If you deck out someone or something, you dress or decorate them in a special way.
"Paul decked out his car for the occasion."

dressed to kill

When someone, especially a woman, is dressed to kill, they are wearing very fashionable or glamorous clothes intended to attract attention.
"She arrived at the reception dressed to kill."

down at heel

A person who is down-at-heel is someone whose appearance is untidy or neglected because of lack of money.
"The down-at-heel student I first met became a successful writer."

face like a bulldog chewing a wasp

To say that someone has a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp means that you find them very unattractive because they have a screwed-up ugly expression on their face.
"Not only was he rude but he had a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp!"

face that would stop a clock

This is a humoristic way of saying that someone is ugly or unattractive.
"You'll recognize him - he's tall and thin, with a face that would stop a clock!"

five o'clock shadow

This expression refers to a patch of stubble on the face of a man who hasn't shaved for at least a day.
"He looked tired and had a five o'clock shadow."

not a hair out of place

To say that someone does not have a hair out of place means that their appearance is perfect.
"Angela is always impeccably dressed - never a hair out of place!"

like something the cat dragged in

If you compare a person or thing to something the cat dragged in, you think they they look dirty, untidy or generally unappealing.
"My teenage son often looks like something the cat dragged in."

look a sight

If a person looks a sight, their appearance is awful, unsuitable or very untidy.
"She looks a sight in that dress!"

look like a million dollars

If you look like a million dollars, you look extremely good.
"With a tan and a new hairstyle she looked like a million dollars!"

pretty as a picture

Someone who is (as) pretty as a picture is very attractive or appealing in appearance.
"The young bride looked (as) pretty as a picture in her beautiful dress.

(as) ugly as sin

The expression as ugly as sin is used to refer to people or things that are considered to be very unattractive.
"Have you seen the new neighbour's dog? It's as ugly as sin!"

vertically challenged

This term is a humoristic way of referring to someone who is not very tall.
"High shelves are difficult for vertically challenged shoppers."

2. Discussion

What is the first thing you notice about a person ?

Is it important how people dress ?

Is weight/physical well-being/fitness important ?

Which is the most important : clothes, shoes, hair, hygiene, fitness, style … ?

Does a person’s appearance reveal their personality ?

Is it wrong to judge people by their appearance ?

Could you be intimidated by someone’s appearance ?

What can people do to maintain or improve their appearance?

Is it acceptable to tell someone that they need to improve their appearance?

How should you dress for a job interview ?

On what occasions is it acceptable to dress casually ?

Can you think of expressions relating to clothes and/or appearance :
(e.g. 'off the peg' / 'down at heel' / 'dressed to kill' / 'not a hair out of place' …)

Do you know the meanings of the following idioms?

*fit like a glove
*fine-tooth comb
*hand-me-down
*in one's birthday suit
*keep something zipped
*pull up one's socks
*put a sock in it
*roll up one's sleeves
*wear one's heart on one's sleeve

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
1️⃣ A Rotten Apple

Meaning: something/someone that is a bad influence on others

Example:

I’d say we’ve got a rotten apple in our company. Someone has disclosed confidential information to our competitors.

2️⃣ An Inside Job

Meaning: a crime committed by someone within the company, organisation, group

Example:

The police suspected that the robbery was an inside job.

3️⃣ To Spill The Beans

Meaning: to reveal information, the truth

Example:

Nobody knew the truth about the singer until her ex-husband spilt the beans in his new book.

4️⃣ To Point The Finger At Someone

Meaning: to accuse someone, to identify someone

Example:

Often in a murder case, they struggled to point the finger at anyone.

We can also use

5️⃣ To Blow The Whistle On Someone

with the same meaning.

6️⃣ To Put A Foot Wrong

Meaning: to make mistakes

Example:

Pat rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to her style.

7️⃣ To Cover Someone’s Tracks

Meaning: to hide or to get rid of incriminating evidence

Example:

Unless we cover our tracks properly, the police are sure to find us.

8️⃣ To Come Clean

Meaning: to confess to something

Example:

The thief felt guilty so he went to the police station and came clean.

9️⃣ To Do Time

Meaning: to serve a prison sentence

Example:

Craig is doing time now because he stole £6m of government funds.

1️⃣0️⃣ In Hot Water

Meaning: in trouble

Example:

If you lie to the authorities, you’ll end up in hot water.

1️⃣1️⃣ To Carry The Can

Meaning: to take the blame, usually for somebody else

Example:

The manager refused to carry the can and take responsibility.

1️⃣2️⃣ To Brush Something Under The Carpet

Meaning: to hide or ignore something illegal, unpleasant or embarrassing

Example:

It’s never ok to brush racism under the carpet.

2. Discussion
* Have you ever witnessed a crime?

* Do you trust the police to help you when you're in need? Why or why not?

* Have you ever had to use violence to protect yourself?

* Does your country have any stupid laws?

* Should downloading music (without paying for it) be a criminal offense?

* France has banned 'psychological violence'. What do you think this means?
(In 2010, France banned “psychological violence within marriage”, becoming the first country to officially criminalize psychological abuse. “The Law also contains several criminal provisions aimed at reinforcing the fight against familial violence, including psychological violence. Harassing one's spouse, partner, or co-habitant by repeated acts that “degrade one's quality of life and cause a change in one's physical or mental state of health” is punishable by a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a €45,000 fine )

* Do you think there is terrorist activity happening in your area?

* What is 'racial profiling'?
(the use of race or ethnicity as grounds for suspecting someone of having committed an offence.)

*Does your country have jury duty? Have you ever done it?

* Have you ever bribed someone or been bribed?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
#1 – At Your Wits’ End

= when you are at the limit of your mental resources, desperate and without additional options

“I’ve been trying to download the file all day and I keep getting an error message – I’m at my wits’ end!”

#2 – Catch-22

= a situation in which it’s impossible to succeed because of conflicting rules or conditions

“Getting your first job is a catch-22 because companies want to hire someone with experience, but how can I get experience unless someone gives me a job?”

#3 – Dodged A Bullet

= barely escaped from a dangerous/disastrous situation

“One of my ex-boyfriends later became a drug dealer! I’m glad I broke up with him – I definitely dodged a bullet.”

#4 – The Crux Of The Matter

= the most essential or main part of the problem

“Of course there are a number of things that the country needs to improve, but the crux of the matter is that the politicians are corrupt.”

#5 – Grasping At Straws

= when you’re desperate and you’re pursuing even the slightest hope or possibility (even if it probably won’t work)

“The police are grasping at straws because there’s virtually no evidence at the crime scene.”

#6 – In Dire Straits

= in a very serious, very bad situation

“Harry has been unemployed for the past three years – he’s really in dire straits.”

#7 – You’ve Got Your Work Cut Out For You

= when you have a large and difficult task to do in the future

“You want to finish a four-year college degree in just two years? Well, you’ve got your work cut out for you.”

#8 – Last Resort

= an option you use as a “last chance” when there are no other options available

“If we can’t stay with any of our friends in London, then we can always book a hotel as a last resort.”

#9 – The Tip Of The Iceberg

= only a small part of the problem; the biggest part of the problem is hidden

“My parents’ arguing about where to go on vacation was only the tip of the iceberg; they treated each other horribly throughout their marriage.”

#10 – A Vicious Cycle

= when one problem causes another problem, which then causes the first problem again

“When I gain weight, I have less energy to exercise… and when I do less exercise, I gain even more weight. It’s a vicious cycle."

2. Discussion

How do you deal with your problems?

Who do you go to when you run into a problem?

What problems do you come across in your work or life?

Do you feel that problems are opportunities? Why or why not?

What was the last problem you solved and how did you do it?

“Problems don’t matter. Solutions do.” Do you agree or disagree?

What personal problems do you have right now?

Have you ever asked anyone for advice about your personal problems? Who did you ask? What did they suggest?

Has anyone ever asked you for advice about a personal problem?

What was their problem? What did you suggest?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
* Ace it: originated as student slang for getting an “A” on an exam or in a course but soon was extended to other successful accomplishments.

*Bomb that test: it actually means students failed or did poorly on the test

*hit the books:begin to study

*brush up:improve one's existing knowledge or skill in a particular area.

Did you know that you can ace an exam or even bomb an exam? If you don't want to bomb it, you should hit the books or at least, brush up on the subject. Or better yet, you should learn it by heart.

I am taking a math exam on Friday and I'm sure I'm going to ace

Hey, I heard that Tommy aced his job interview at Google.

How did you bomb the history exam? Didn't you study?

Oh man, I should have been better prepared for that interview. I totally bombed

Instead of spending the whole night looking at tick tock, why don't you try hitting the books. Don't you have an exam next week?

I need to head to the library today and hit the books.

You guys know my second language is Japanese. So I've decided to brush up on my reading and writing skills.

Nick decided to brush up on his Italian for his vacation this summer.

The best way to remember idioms is to learn them by heart.

Idioms about knowledge
1. Common knowledge

Information that is known by many people.

Example: The fact that thunder often accompanies lightning is common knowledge.

2. Knowledge is power

The more a person knows, the better armed he is.

Example: In this situation, knowledge is power.

3. Know the ropes, learn the ropes

Know a subject well, know the ins and outs about it

Example: Don’t worry, Jane! He knows the ropes; he will help you.

4. Can’t make heads or tails of it

Do not understand something, or become confused by something

Example: I can’t make heads or tails of it. Can you explain it to me one more time, please?

5. Burning the midnight oil, pull an all-nighter

Stay up late working hard on something. Often used by students.

Example: We were fooling around all the semester, and now we have to burn the midnight oil.

2. Discussion
Learning is like nature—it’s all around us, even on a subconscious level. Our brains are built to absorb, filter and store information.

How important is learning? Why?

Besides English, what are you currently learning?

What things are you good/bad at learning? Why?

What would you most like to learn?

What is the most difficult part of learning? Why?

Do you or somebody you know have any learning difficulties? How does that affect their lives?

What is the best learning experience you’ve had?

Do you think you’ll always be involved in lifelong learning?

Do you think learning by doing or learning by listening is best

When you learn new things, is there always a steep learning curve?

Do you think we ever stop learning? Are we ever too old to start learning something new?

What’s the unhappiest and the happiest you’ve been while learning something?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Talks accessible on Youtube
Esther Perel
is a Psychotherapist, Relationship Philosopher, Speaker, Author and Host of Where Should We Begin?

* The secret to desire in a long-term relationship (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa0RUmGTCYY)
* Rethinking infidelity ... a talk for anyone who has ever loved
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2AUat93a8Q)

Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.

*The Millennial Question
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vudaAYx2IcE)

*How to Leverage Being an Introvert
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozSjZ6iRKSA)

2. Podcasts on Spotify
* On Purpose with Jay Shetty
* Oprah's Super Soul
* Unlocking us with Brené Brown
* Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The secret to desire in a long-term relationship | Esther Perel | TED

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
(1) a mile a minute - Very quickly.
■  He talks a mile a minute.
(2) drop me a line - Send me a note or a letter.
■ If you ever come to New York, drop me a line.
(3) get it off your chest - Say it and feel relieved.
■  Tell me about it, get it off your chest.
(4)  I'm all ears- - I'm paying attention to you.
■  "Are you listening to me?" "Yes, I'm all ears.
(5) out of the loop - Aware (or unaware) of information known to only a group.
■  Please keep me In the loop / He said we kept him out of the loop.
(6)  it's like talking to a brick wall - The person is not listening or paying attention.
■  I've tried to discuss it with her, but it's like talking to a brick wall.
(7)  long story short - To skip boring, unnecessary details.
■  Anyway, long story short, we're moving to Germany.
(8) Off the top of my head - From memory, without thinking too much.
■  "How much is the house worth?" "Off the top of my head, I'd say around $160,000."
(9) put me on the spot - They forced me into a difficult situation / asked me a difficult question.
■   They put me on the spot when they asked me about my other projects.
(10) spread like wildfire - Circulate very quickly.
■   Rumors spread like wildfire when people are excited.
(11) with a pinch of salt - Be a bit skeptical about it.
■  Take everything she says with a pinch of salt, because she tends to exaggerate.
(12)  talking in riddles - Speak in a convoluted/complicated way.
■  Stop talking in riddles and tell me what this is about.
(13) touch base - To contact someone for an update.
■  I was just calling to touch base since it's been a few weeks since we last spoke.
(14) word-of-mouth - Spread by people talking about it.
■  We get most of our work through word-of-mouth recommendations.

2. Discussion

Do you know anyone who speaks in riddles?

(speaks in riddles: Express oneself in an ambiguous or puzzling manner.)

What is something you found out through word of mouth?

(word of mouth: is the passing of information from person to person using oral communication, which could be as simple as telling someone the time of day. )

From your friends, do you have to take any of them with a pinch of salt?

(with a pinch of salt that means to view something with skepticism or not to interpret something literally.)

What do you do when you have something on the tip of your tongue?

(on the tip of your tongue: almost but not quite brought to mind or spoken.)

Have you ever tried to discuss something with someone and it was like talking to a brick wall?

(like talking to a brick wall: To be completely ignored or disregarded by someone; to be as useless or ineffectual as talking to an inanimate object.  (informal) used when somebody refuses to listen to your advice, ideas, explanations.)

What do you do if a colleague/customer is talking a mile a minute and you can't understand?

(a mile a minute: very quickly.)

Off the top of your head, how many employees are there in your company?

(Off the top of your head: without careful thought or investigation.)

Have you ever felt that you needed to get something off your chest?

(get something off your chest: say something that one has wanted to say for a long time, resulting in a feeling of relief.)

Have any rumors about you ever spread like wildfire?

(spread like wildfire: spread with great speed.)

3. Let's talk about-
(1) How is communication changing between people?

(2) It used to be common to talk to strangers. Do you think it’s okay to talk to people you don’t know?

(3) How often do you start up a conversation with people you don’t know?

(4) Think about how your Grandmother talks with people. Is it the same as how you talk to people?

(5) Use your imagination. How will people communicate in the future?

(6) How have smart phones changed communication?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms
(1) Popcorn movie
A popcorn movie is one that you watch almost purely for entertainment. While there are movies that will make you think and give you a new perspective on life, popcorn movies will not – nor are they made for that.
(2) Get the show on the road

If someone tells you to get the show on the road, they are urging you to get started on something! Rather than waiting somewhere for the preparation to finish, they want you to start, even if there might be some mistakes and things that hinder your progress.
(3) Kick something off, kick off
If you kick something off, you spark its beginning. If you are sitting in a meeting and no one says anything when the boss asks for feedback, it will be awkward.
(4) Sell out

Sell out has two meanings – one is positive and the other is negative. If you use sell outas a noun, it is not a good thing. This means that you have completely abandoned your principles in favor of something such as money.
If you use sell out as verb or adjective describing an event, this is a great thing! This term is used when you have tickets to sell. If you are sold out, it means that some person has bought every single ticket available for a certain show, movie, concert, etc.
(5) Live up to the hype

If something (typically a movie or a show) lives up to the hype, it means two things. First, it means that there is enough interest in it, or hype. People (such as movie critics, bloggers, etc.) will get excited for something by generating hype for it.
(6) Jump the shark
(of a television series or film) reach a point when far-fetched events are included merely for the sake of novelty, indicative of a decline in quality.

"the majority of television has jumped the shark; few shows maintain their creative ingenuity"

(7) Break a leg
This idiom comes as a result of the superstitious nature of actors and other performers. Many of them think that if you wish them good luck, the exact opposite will happen! Instead of jinxing them, their friends and fellow actors may tell them to break a leg – or, metaphorically, to have good luck!

My husband is trying out a new stand up comedy routine tonight at the coffee shop. I told him to break a leg!

I know you really do not need the luck with all the practice that you have been putting in, but make sure to break a leg!

(8) To make a clown of yourself

Clowns are supposed to be funny and entertaining people. Even if some people are scared of clowns, they are sometimes thought of as ridiculous people who do all kinds of things to make people laugh. Thus, if you make a clown of yourself, you are doing something that makes people laugh.

Kelly did not mean to make a clown of her coworker but the coworker was trying to exaggerate their role in the project so much without understanding it that it was embarrassing for everyone who was listening.

(9) A dog and pony show

an event that is designed to impress people in order to make them buysomething or invest money: Our average customer is a businessperson who doesn't need the dog and pony show.
(10) To sing your heart out
When musicians sing their hearts out, it means that they are singing with a lot of passion or enthusiasm.

2. Discussion
(1) What is your all-time favorite movie?
(2) Are there any kinds of movies you dislike?
If so, what kinds? Why do you dislike them?
(3) Do you like to watch horror movies?
(4) Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction books? How about movies?
(5) Do you usually watch movies at home or at a movie theater?
(6) Have you ever seen the same movie more than once?
If yes, name it (or them).
(7) If a book has been made into a movie, which do you prefer to do first, see the movie or read the book? Why?
(8) What do you think of people who talk during movies at a movie theater?
What is the best movie you have ever seen?

(9) Which do you like better, action movies or comedy movies?
(10) What movie star would you most like to meet?
(11) What do you think of reality shows?
(12) Do you think that films can be educational?
(13) See any good movies lately?

(14) Which is more important, acting or special effects?
(15) If you could make a movie, what would it be about?
(16) If someone made a movie of your life, what kind of movie would it be?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Idioms

up in arms

"If you are up in arms about something, you are very angry."
"The population was up in arms over the demolition of the old theatre."

get off my back!

If you tell someone to get off your back, you are annoyed and ask them to stop finding fault or criticizing you.
"Liz, please, get off my back! You've been making comments about my work all morning!"

bear with a sore head

If someone is behaving like a bear with a sore head, they are very irritable and bad-tempered.
"When his team lost the match, Brad was like a bear with a sore head."

bite someone's head off

If you bite someone's head off, you criticize them strongly (and perhaps unfairly).
"I worked 10 hours a day all week and my boss bit my head off for not doing my share of the work!"

(be) in a black mood

To be in a black mood means to be irritable, angry or even depressed.
"You'd better keep away from Bill today.  He's in a black mood."

blow a fuse

If you blow a fuse, you suddenly lose your temper and become very angry.
"Charlie blew a fuse yesterday then he discovered that his bike had been stolen."

blow your top

If you blow your top, you suddenly become very angry.
"When my mother saw the state of the house after the party, she blew her top!"

(have a) bone to pick with someone

If you have a bone to pick with someone, you are annoyed with them and want to talk to them about it.
"Mark wants to see the boss. He says he's got a bone to pick with him."

be cheesed off

If someone is cheesed off with something, they are annoyed, bored or frustrated.
"Jenny is absolutely cheesed off with her job."

(have a) bone to pick with someone

If you have a bone to pick with someone, you are annoyed with them and want to talk to them about it.
"Mark wants to see the boss. He says he's got a bone to pick with him."

for crying out loud!

This expression is used to show irritation, exasperation or anger.
"For crying out loud, turn that television off!"

cut it out!

If you say 'cut it out' to someone, you are telling them to stop doing something.
"I've had enough of your insinuations, so just cut it out!"

drive someone up the wall

If somebody or something drives you up the wall, they do something that greatly annoys or irritates you.
"I can't concentrate with all the noise - it's driving me up the wall."

eat someone alive

If you criticize someone severely because you are angry with them, you eat them alive.
(You can also be eaten alive - bitten repeatedly -  by insects.)
"The boss will eat me alive if the report arrives late."

fit to be tied

Someone who is fit to be tied is extremely irritated, upset or angry.
"Harry was fit to be tied when his dog dug up the flowers he had planted."

get/take flak

If you get or take flak, you receive severe criticism for something you have done.
"Harry got a lot of flak for the way he handled the situation."

2. Discussion

What annoys you about living where you live now?

What annoys you about taking trains to work? or driving a car?

Do you think you have habits that annoy other people?

Does it annoy you when people kiss in public?

Do you get annoyed when someone cuts in front of you when you are waiting in line?

Does smoking bother you?

Do you get annoyed when other people display bad manners? Give some examples.

What is the most annoying thing for you?

Can annoying someone be a good thing?

If something is annoying you, what do you usually do?

How do you change annoying habits?

Can you think of some things children do that annoy adults around them?

What does pet peeve mean?

What is your pet peeve?

What kind of people annoy you?

Who is the most annoying person you know? Why?

How do you inform someone they are being annoying

Which is more annoying, being caught in the rain without an umbrella, or finding out you don't have enough money to pay for something you really need?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Everyday idioms that you can use with your kids

A grey area – Something unclear

A rip-off – Too expensive

Add fuel to the fire – To add more to an existing problem

As easy as ABC – Something is very easy

Call it a day – Time to quit

Cool as a cucumber – To be very calm under stress

Crack a book – Open up a book and study

Down to the wire – At the last minute

Draw a blank – Can’t remember

Fill in the blanks – Provide more information

Get a kick out of it – Really enjoy/like something

Get your act together – Behave properly

Give it a shot – To try to do something

Have mixed feelings – Be unsure of how you feel

Have second thoughts – Have doubts

In hot water – Be in trouble

In the same boat – Be in the same situation

It’s in the bag – It’s a certainty

I've got your number – To say you can't be fooled by someone since you have them figured out

Miss the boat – You missed your chance

Mumbo jumbo – To call something total nonsense

Out of the blue – With no warning

Pass with flying colors – To succeed at something easily

Piece of cake – Something very easy

Read between the lines – Find the hidden meaning

Second to none – The best

The icing on the cake – Something additional that turns good into great

2. Discussion

How does life change when you have kids?

How can other family members help with childcare?

What things do you think new parents miss about their old life?

What do you think are the biggest challenges for new parents?

Feeling unprepared for parenthood

Suffering from sleep deprivation

A loss/lack of intimacy

Changing dirty nappies/diapers

Picking kids up from kindergarten/nursery

Financial struggles

How is growing up different for:

The first child?

The middle child?

The baby?

What are some stereotypes associated with the different positions among siblings?

What are the pros and cons of being an only child?

What do children learn from having siblings?

What do you think is the perfect number of children to have?

What are the pros and cons of these stages of children’s lives?

Babies (0-1)

Toddlers (1-3)

Kids (3-10)

Pre-teens (10-12)

Teenagers (13-18)

Young adults (18-22)

What’s the most rewarding and most challenging aspect of each stage?